Apparatus and method for temporary non-surgical correction of submental fullness

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for temporary non-surgical correction of submental fullness. The apparatus includes a pair of adhesive tabs disposed at opposite ends of a flexible band. A release paper protects an adhesive layer of the adhesive tabs until ready for use. The release paper may include indicia disposed in a spaced apart relation for trimming the apparatus to a desired size. The adhesive tabs are applied to the skin at the lateral aspects of the neck such that the flexible band applies a tension to the user&#39;s skin to draw the excess skin rearwardly towards the nape of the wearer&#39;s neck, providing a desired corrected appearance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/705,930 filed Jul. 23, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beauty products, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for non-surgical correction of submental fullness.

According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, about 68 percent of Americans have noticeable submental fullness, better known as a double chin. A double chin is made up of unwanted, subcutaneous fat that rests between the chin and top of the neck, creating an appearance of a second chin. Alternately, weight loss, aging and years of sun exposure can result in thinning of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin causing premature wrinkles and/or sagging skin under the chin and neck area.

Many Americans do not want the risk of plastic surgery, nor the high cost associated with cosmetic procedures or surgery to correct their double chin.

Existing problems with other products on the market include the following:

The one-piece adhesive devices have two adhesive tabs which are too small to pull back enough skin area to address a double chin when adhered from ear to ear behind the nape of neck.

A rubbery non-adhesive insert material being utilized in some products has too much give to effectively pull the chin area to reduce the appearance of the double chin. The insert material also is a non-breathable and can be irritating as it digs into the skin when stretched across the nape of the neck.

For each of these products there is no way for the consumer to adjust the fit of product according to their individual neck size.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved apparatus and methods for temporary non-surgical correction of a double chin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a non-surgical chin lifting device is disclosed. The non-surgical chin lifting device includes a flexible, breathable stretch band disposed between two adhesive end piece tabs. Each adhesive end piece tab has a first side having an adhesive layer. A coated release paper is disposed over the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive carried on the adhesive end piece tabs.

In some embodiments, a plurality of index marks is disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of the release paper and its corresponding adhesive end piece tab.

In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is a hypoallergenic and waterproof adhesive.

In some embodiments, a stitch joins each adhesive end piece tab with the flexible, breathable stretch band.

In some embodiments, the flexible, breathable stretch band has a length of about 2 inches, when joined with the adhesive end piece tab. The flexible, breathable stretch band may have a width of about 1½ inches.

In some embodiments, the adhesive end piece tab has a length of about 1¾ inches when joined with the flexible, breathable stretch band. The adhesive end piece tab may have a width of about 1½ inches.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive end piece tab is formed of a transparent material.

In other embodiments, the flexible, breathable stretch band is formed of a knit stretch jersey material.

In other aspects of the invention, a non-surgical chin lifting method is disclosed. The method includes providing a non-surgical chin lifting device having a flexible, breathable stretch band disposed between two adhesive end piece tabs. A tension is applied to a first lateral aspect of a neck of a wearer. A first of the two adhesive end piece tabs is applied to the first lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer. A tension is then applied to a second lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer. Then a second of the two adhesive end piece tabs is applied to the second lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer.

In some embodiments of the method includes sizing the non-surgical chin lifting device to a wearer's neck according to a plurality of index markings disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of a release paper covering an adhesive layer on each of the two adhesive end piece tabs. This embodiment may also include cutting the two adhesive end piece tabs along a selected marking.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a non-surgical chin lifting device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first size of the non-surgical chin lifting device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second size of the non-surgical chin lifting device.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of an adhesive end piece tab.

FIG. 5a is a detail view of a first size of a flexible, breathable stretch band.

FIG. 5b is a detail view of a second size of the of flexible, breathable stretch band.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of index markings on a release paper of the adhesive end piece tab.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the non-surgical chin lifting device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view showing application of the non-surgical chin lifting device with a user's neck.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view showing application of the non-surgical chin lifting device with the user's neck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for temporary non-surgical correction of submental fullness. The apparatus includes a non-surgical chin lifting device 10 includes a flexible, breathable stretch band 14, disposed between two (2) adhesive end piece tabs 12. The adhesive end piece tabs 12 are each protected by a coated release paper 18, which protects the adhesive carried on the adhesive end piece tabs 12 until consumers are ready to apply the chin lifting device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the release paper 18 is ruled with a plurality of index marks 20 disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of the release paper 18 and its corresponding tab 12, to assist in the sizing and application process for each consumer. The adhesive end piece tabs 12 may be joined with the breathable stretch band 14 via a stitch 16.

The adhesive endpiece tabs 12, may be formed with a hypoallergenic and waterproof adhesive tape. By way of non-limiting example, the adhesive tape may be a Transpore®, manufactured by 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn. The medical grade tape is selected for the adhesive tabs 12 which allow for a strong, flexible pull which can last all day long even when the wearer is perspiring or in high humidity conditions.

The adhesive tabs 12 are shaped wider and longer than other products, preferably in the range of about 1.5″×1.5″. The increased size allows for greater skin surface area contact with the skin to be pulled rearwardly towards the back behind the neck 32, resulting in the look of a taut chin and/or neck area.

The breathable stretch band 14 may be formed of a resilient non-adhesive material to apply a lifting and retaining tension to the wearer's skin when the adhesive tabs 12 are applied to the lateral aspects 34 of the wearer's neck 32. In a preferred non-limiting example, the stretch band 14 may be fabricated out of a strip of Coban medical flexible tape, also manufactured by 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn. In alternative embodiments, the stretch band 14 may be made of a knit stretch jersey material. The stretch band 14 has an adhesive free contact surface so that it does not adhere to skin. It is very flexible and breathable, creating a comfortable fit on nape of neck 32 for all consumers. The breathable stretch band may be made in a variety of colors to match a user's skin tone so that it may be discretely worn.

The stretch band 14 material has only a 1.5″ stretch of its original size, so it is sized to create a lasting tension for the chin and/or mid neck area.

As previously indicated, the release paper 18 on each adhesive tab 12 has a printed measuring system 20, guaranteeing an exact fit for each consumer. The user 30 may simply cut each adhesive tab 12 to a desired length prior to placement on the skin to pull back under chin area, no matter the size of the neck.

A method of temporary non-surgical correction of submental fullness includes the following steps.

In some embodiment, the consumer utilizes the ruled release paper 18 to properly size the product 10 for their usage and neck size by cutting the release paper 14 and adhesive tab 12 to a desired size which, when the apparatus is applied creates an effective tension to the lateral sides 34 of the neck 32 in order to diminish the double chin area. The user 30 sizes their neck 32 by holding the product 10 to skin across the nape of neck 32 in the appropriate spot on their neck 34, behind the ear area, which would achieve the most tension on chin and mid neck area for their neck size.

Once sized, the release paper 18 are removed to expose the adhesive on the protected surface of the adhesive tabs 12. The release paper 18 may be removed from both sides before application of the device 10 or individually as the each of the adhesive tabs 12 are applied to the wearer's skin surfaces.

The apparatus 10 is applied by securement of the adhesive tabs 12 to the lateral aspects 34 of the wearer's neck 32. The user 30 grasps excess or lose/wrinkled skin under neck and chin area with their fingertips, pulling it tightly toward the lateral aspect of the neck 34 behind the ear area. The user 30 then places a first adhesive tab 12 on skin which has been pulled back behind ear, press tightly, and hold with fingertips. The user 30 then waits a predetermined temporal period, such as 20 seconds to allow for adhesive on the tab 12 to adhere securely to their skin.

The user 30 then draws the flexible band 14 across the nape of the neck 32 adjacent to the hairline to assure the apparatus 10 is hidden under the hair and behind the ear. The user 30 removes the 2nd release paper 18 from the second adhesive tab 12 on opposite end of the product 10. The user 30 grasps excess or wrinkled skin under chin and neck area on opposite side of face and pulls it back towards the opposite ear to a desired tension to achieve a desired appearance. The user 30 then adheres the second adhesive tab 12 at the opposite end of the apparatus 10 by pressing the exposed adhesive on the tab 12 on the skin.

When applied properly, the flexible band 14 should be at a sufficient tension to retain the skin under tension to achieve a desired appearance. Once applied, the user 30 will have a highly effective, chin lift experience in which the area of skin under the chin and in the mid neck area will have a smooth, taut appearance with no indication of excess weight or skin under the chin area or in neck area. The application of the apparatus 10 of the present invention will pull the chin and mid neck under tension of the flexible band 14 to achieve the desired look for each consumer.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-surgical chin lifting device, comprising: a flexible, breathable stretch band disposed between two adhesive end piece tabs, each adhesive end piece tab having a first side having an adhesive layer; and a coated release paper disposed over the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive carried on the adhesive end piece tabs.
 2. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of index marks disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of the release paper and its corresponding adhesive end piece tab.
 3. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 2, wherein the adhesive layer is a hypoallergenic and waterproof adhesive.
 4. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 3, further comprising: a stitch joining each adhesive end piece tab with the flexible, breathable stretch band.
 5. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 4, wherein the flexible, breathable stretch band has a length of about 2 inches, when joined with the adhesive end piece tab.
 6. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 5, wherein the flexible, breathable stretch band has a width of about 1½ inches.
 7. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 6, wherein the adhesive end piece tab has a length of about 1% inches when joined with the flexible, breathable stretch band.
 8. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 7, wherein the adhesive end piece tab has a width of about 1½ inches.
 9. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive end piece tab is formed of a transparent material.
 10. The non-surgical chin lifting device of claim 1, wherein the flexible, breathable stretch band is formed of a knit stretch jersey material.
 11. A non-surgical chin lifting method, comprising: providing a non-surgical chin lifting device having a flexible, breathable stretch band disposed between two adhesive end piece tabs, applying a tension to a first lateral aspect of a neck of a wearer; applying a first of the two adhesive end piece tabs to the first lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer; applying a tension to a second lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer; and applying a second of the two adhesive end piece tabs to the second lateral aspect of the neck of the wearer.
 12. The non-surgical chin lifting method of claim 11, further comprising: sizing the non-surgical chin lifting device to a wearer's neck according to a plurality of markings disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of a release paper covering an adhesive layer on each of the two adhesive end piece tabs.
 13. The non-surgical chin lifting method of claim 11, further comprising: cutting the two adhesive end piece tabs along a selected marking. 